Residents graduate from MVES tech course

Mystic Valley Elder Services provides training course and free iPads

Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is proud to announce the completion of Revere’s first “iPad Basics” course. The class was offered at the Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center through the MVES Technology Access Program (TAP). MVES created TAP to bridge the “digital divide” and promote technology access among older adults and people with disabilities.

The course consists of four weeks of training provided by MVES TAP Coordinator Carla Matute with assistance from TAP volunteers Amy Seidenfuss and Laura Mercure. Students learn hands-on skills to safely use a device, from enlarging font size to understanding the difference between accessing email and browsing the internet. Each graduate received a new iPad from MVES, with support from Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Digital Equity Partnership Program. The students were excited to have new devices to navigate the web and use programs they’ve learned about, like video conferencing and messaging apps.

“It’s wonderful to see our participants gain skills and self-reliance each week. By the end of the course, they have the confidence to explore a new world of communication and information that is available to them,” said Matute. “They were thrilled to graduate, but I think the MVES team and the senior center staff were just as excited!”

“Our Technology Access Program instills a comfort level with technology that opens doors for older adults and people with disabilities,” explained MVES CEO Lisa Gurgone. “Telehealth, connection with loved ones, the ability to apply for services and programs – these are things many of us take for granted. Our world is increasingly reliant on technology and MVES strives to ensure no one in our community is left behind by that shift.”

Interested in helping to bridge the tech divide? MVES needs more volunteers! Tech expertise is not required – just a comfort level with basic computer and internet practices. Bilingual and multilingual volunteers are welcomed. Visit www.mves.org or call 781-324-7705 to learn more.

In addition to iPad Basics, Mystic Valley Service’s TAP provides one-to-one training, Troubleshoot Cafés, assistance with obtaining affordable internet access, and more. MVES has provided a wide range of home- and community-based care and resources to older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers since 1975. A nonprofit, MVES serves Revere and 10 other Greater Boston communities.